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Project Info

Rail - Amtrak Cascades New Locomotives - Completed June 2017

Overview

WSDOT purchased 8 new state-of-the-art Siemens Charger locomotives to pull Washington-state sponsored Amtrak Cascades trains. The new 4,400-horse power Cummins QSK95 engines are 42,000 pounds 8-foot tall and meet new, stringent emission standards. The new locomotives were delivered in summer 2017 and, after testing and training, started running on the Amtrak Cascades corridor in November 2017.

How you benefit

Relieves congestion
Faster acceleration allows for trains to move along the corridor more efficiently, as well as more easily passing slower freight trains and other sidings. Adding a smoother, more efficient train ride also provides more multimodal options for travelers.The new locomotives are also more reliable, requiring less maintenance and upkeep and less downtime.

Improves safety
This "next generation" rail equipment features safety upgrades, including on-board positive trian control system, which will automatically stop the train when there are dangerous situations on the rails, once the system is activated corridor-wide in 2018.

Funding
WSDOT used $58.92 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grants to purchase the locomotives.